UMaine to Host First Marathon and Half Marathon, Offer Training
For years, the University of Maine has hosted popular races such as the Black Bear Triathlon, the Healthy High 5k/10k and the Black Bear Attack Adventure Race. This summer, UMaine will host its first full and half marathon as part of the Black Bear Race series.
The inaugural Black Bear Marathon and Half Marathon will take place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 21.
“We believe that the marathon and half marathon will be the biggest events in our already exceptionally popular race series,” says Lauri Sidelko, director of the Student Wellness Resource Center and co-director of the race.
The 26.2-mile course is a double loop of the 13.1-mile course that begins on the UMaine campus and travels through Orono and Old Town and back to the university’s bike path. The marathon is a certified course, which gives runners the opportunity to qualify for larger races, such as the Boston Marathon.
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. and has a six-hour limit for the marathon course. An early start at 6:30 a.m. is available to those who prefer an extra hour to complete the marathon. The early start is not available for the half marathon. A 7:15 a.m. start also is available for wheelchair entrants.
Registration is open online. Until March 30, fees are $85 for the full and $60 for the half. After March 31, fees are $95 and $75, respectively. The first 1,200 runners to register will receive a logo race shirt, and the first 500 also will receive race logo running socks. Medals will be given to all registered runners who cross the finish line. Participants must be at least 14 years old on race day, as recommended by the Road Runners Club of America.
A race expo and packet pickup will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on campus Saturday, June 20. More information, including the exact location, will be available online.
In advance of the race, Campus Recreation is offering Black Bear Marathon Training for runners who are interested in participating, but would either prefer some coaching or training with others. Participants will run weekly as a group with an experienced trainer and will be given a detailed training plan, handouts on various race topics and $10 off race registration. Training starts Saturday, Feb. 7 at the New Balance Student Recreation Center. To join, runners must currently be able to run at least three miles without stopping. More information on the training is on the Campus Recreation website.
The Black Bear Race series is run by the Student Wellness Resource Center. Proceeds from the Black Bear Marathon and Half Marathon will provide scholarships to Campus Recreation summer camp participants, as well as support student projects and opportunities offered through the wellness program. Race organizers also plan to form a fundraising partnership with charitable organizations to give back to the community.
More about the race is on the Black Bear Marathon and Half Marathon website and Facebook event page. For more information or to request a disability accommodation, contact race directors Sidelko at sidelko@maine.edu, 581.1423; or Thad Dwyer at thad.dwyer@umit.maine.edu. Those interested in volunteering as part of the race committee, at packet pickup or on race day should contact Sidelko.